Historic first for Asian Business Chamber as trailblazing duo appointed co-presidents
An award-winning business leader in education and an accomplished employment solicitor will take charge of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) after being elected as co-presidents.
Sapreena Kumari, CEO of SK Consulting, and Neelam Afzal, Solicitor and partner at Wildings Solicitors were appointed as the new co-presidents of ABCC yesterday during the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The meeting was held at the Chamber’s 54 Hagley Road HQ in Edgbaston and hosted by ABCC director Anjum Khan. This is the first time in ABCC history that two women co-presidents have been appointed.
Before becoming co-presidents, both Neelam and Sapreena served as ABCC vice presidents from 2023.
Neelam Afzal specialises in employment law, advising businesses and individuals on a wide range of workplace-related legal matters.
With a deep understanding of employment rights and workplace disputes, Neelam has built a strong reputation for delivering practical and effective legal solutions.
Her expertise extends to unfair dismissals, redundancy, workplace discrimination, and TUPE, making her a sought-after legal advisor for SMEs, corporations, and professionals.
Neelam Afzal said: “I am truly honoured and excited to be appointed as co-president of the ABCC alongside the incredible Sapreena Kumari.
“This opportunity is a representation of women as co-presidents and together, we aim to continue with being ambassadors of the ABCC.
“I look forward to working with our members, our Patrons, and stakeholders to drive positive change and build a stronger, more connected and supportive business community.”
Sapreena Kumari is an award-winning business leader in the education sector for 18 years.
She most recently started her own consultancy agency supporting organisations with income generation, restructure and business transformation.
Sapreena has won a range of awards, including the 2019 Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year in Public Sector and Education.
She is a trustee at Birmingham Museums Trust and the South Asian Diaspora Digital Archive (SADDA).
Sapreena said: “I am incredibly honoured to be appointed as co-president of the ABCC alongside the formidable Neelam Afzal.
“We have been on a journey through our vice-presidency since 2023 where we have been able to forge shared values, aims and passions for elevating the ABCC to its next phase.
“Our co-presidency is a testament to the innovative way that the Asian chamber not only supports its members, but its approach to income generation and securing its future.
“We look forward to building on the legacy left to us by previous presidents and committee members in order to make the ABCC bigger and better than ever.”
The duo will be joined by vice presidents Gurdas Singh, marketing consultant at WANAMA and Monica Ghai, associate at Shakespeare Martineau.
Gurdas Singh is a multi-award-winning marketer, with over seven years of experience in the Advertising and Marketing field.
He co-founded the locally acclaimed networking event, The Breakfast Club, which significantly enhanced his community engagement and leadership skills.
Monica is an experienced legal director at Shakespeare Martineau LLP and specialises in family law. She also advises in disputes involving children and domestic abuse.
Meanwhile, CEO of Lioncroft Wholesale and Aston University Chancellor Jason Wouhra was recognised with the long standing member award.
Five new committee members were also inducted during the AGM. They are:
- Abdul Farooq - Greenworks Innovation
- Barinder Sumon - Alliance
- Money Chopra - Malmaison & HdV
- Muhanid Ali - Ernst & Young LLP
- Zhagum Arshad - Trivia Solutions Ltd
Abdul Farooq is an experienced entrepreneur who has delivered innovative workforce and business solutions across the UK.
Barinder Sumon, a business development manager at Alliance, possess over eight years of experience in the hospitality industry, with a strong background in healthcare and dementia care.
Money Chopra is a sales professional with over a decade of experience in business development, revenue growth, and strategic sales leadership within the hospitality industry. Currently, she serves as the Cluster Sales Manager for Malmaison & Hotel du Vin in Birmingham.
Muhanid Ali is an accomplished Audit and Assurance Partner based in Birmingham, with over 12 years of extensive experience across various industrial sectors, including retail, automotive, construction, waste management, and power and utilities.
Zhagum Arshad brings over 25 years of experience as a dynamic leader and entrepreneur, notably as the CEO of TriVA, a pioneering outsourcing and marketing automation company.
They join existing committee members:
- Aftab Chughtai MBE - Aftabs
- Sartaj Gill - Housman Consulting
- Trina Tiernan - Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College
- Sana Saddique - Collective Law Solicitor
Outgoing president Omar Rashid remain on the committee as honorary chair.
Anjum Khan said: "The ABCC continues to be a powerful voice within Greater Birmingham’s business landscape, championing the region’s Asian business community.
“I’d like to extend my warmest congratulations to the incoming co-presidents and vice presidents on their appointments.
“With a new committee bringing together a rich blend of skills, experience and fresh perspectives, the ABCC is well positioned for a dynamic and impactful year ahead.
“I’m confident this new leadership team will continue to elevate the Chamber’s influence and support even more businesses to thrive.”
